Under normal circumstances, we’d be inundated with cricketing opportunities down under. However, due to obvious reasons, opportunities seem increasingly unlikely this winter.
The PCA has recently provided guidance in relation to playing amateur cricket overseas this winter, such as Grade cricket in Australia.
The information they produced, along with relevant links below, are correct as of 6 July 2020.
It is important to note that currently, the Foreign Office is advising against all non-essential travel overseas. This includes typical overseas winter destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
KEY COUNTRY UPDATES
Australia
- Currently, Australia is not issuing normal visa applications.
- Anyone wishing to travel to Australia in the next 3 months must apply for special exemption. Travel beyond three months will not be considered. It is our understanding that travel for cricket purposes does not qualify for special exemption.
- Anyone arriving in Australia is currently required to quarantine for 14 days in a hotel. Quarantine in Queensland and Northern Territory may incur charges.
- Players should check this link for regular updates regarding Australia issuing visas here.
- Although the Government would not currently subject you to a quarantine period on return the UK, you are advised to monitor any Government updates to this policy.
- Full Government travel advice for Australia can be found here.
New Zealand
- Currently, the New Zealand border is closed to almost all visitors subject to a few specific exemptions. Traveling for amateur cricket would not meet these criteria.
- All arrivals to New Zealand will be subject to a 14-day quarantine or managed isolation.
- Players should check the following page for updates from New Zealand immigration here.
- Although the Government would not currently subject you to a quarantine period on return the UK, you are advised to monitor any Government updates to this policy.
- Full Government travel advice for New Zealand can be found here.
South Africa
- Currently, South Africa’s borders are closed to commercial airlines.
- No visas will be granted during the current lockdown periods.
- Anyone currently traveling to South Africa will be subject to a 14-day quarantine period.
- On the basis of current Government guidelines, you would be subject to a 14-day quarantine period on return to the UK.
- Government advice regarding travel to South Africa can be found here.
GENERAL ADVICE ON OVERSEAS WINTER PLANS
- Currently, it is unlikely you will be able to commit to overseas amateur cricket contracts with certainty due to Covid-19 impacts on travel.
- Individual Governments are updating their advice and stances regularly and over a period of time these will relax. Check back on the relevant links above regularly.
- Before applying for a visa or potentially booking flights, ensure you fully understand the relevant quarantine periods and costs that may be required both in the country you are traveling to and the UK.
- We would advise caution in making any overseas commitments at this time.
IN SUMMARY
We are being advised that the borders to Australia and New Zealand could remain closed beyond the start of the season and potentially throughout the UK winter. Any player making commitments should keep this in mind.
The above information reflects the current status on 6 July 2020. We will seek to keep you updated regularly as it changes. If you are intending to travel to a country not listed above for cricket purposes please contact us.
It is possible that established professional T20 competitions will be engaging with Governments directly regarding Visa and Entry procedures and we will update when we receive any information on this.
Should you have any questions, please contact us for more information.